Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Engineering Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Second language acquisition

Discipline
Publication Year

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Engineering Education

A Human Factors Perspective On Learning Programming Languages Using A Second Language Acquisition Approach, Rebecca Rohmeyer, Paula Sanjuan Espejo, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick Jan 2017

A Human Factors Perspective On Learning Programming Languages Using A Second Language Acquisition Approach, Rebecca Rohmeyer, Paula Sanjuan Espejo, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick

Publications

In this day and age, knowing a programming language is an essential skill to have for those pursuing a career in any of the STEM fields. In most colleges and universities around the world, engineering and computer science students are required to take an introductory course in a programming language. However, many students find these courses intimidating and too challenging. This paper explores a psychological perspective on learning programming languages using Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theories. The paper also describes the basic function of how learning works and how SLA aids in the learning process. This paper also briefly discusses …


Work In Progress: Using Second Language Acquisition Techniques To Teach Programming - Results From A Two-Year Project, Christina Frederick, Lulu Sun Jan 2017

Work In Progress: Using Second Language Acquisition Techniques To Teach Programming - Results From A Two-Year Project, Christina Frederick, Lulu Sun

Publications

This WIP paper presents two years of findings for an NSF funded project under the Research Initiation Grant in Engineering Education (RIGEE) program. The project (SLA-aBLe) is currently in the second year of implementation and assessment. Final results from the project will be presented and discussed at the annual ASEE conference. The project used second language acquisition (SLA) theory and techniques to facilitate learning in an introductory programming language class. The project was developed by a multi-disciplinary team and involved multiple instructors and sections of an introductory programming language class using MATLAB. Each semester, instructors trained in SLA techniques taught …


The Application Of Second Language Acquisition To Programming Language Study, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick, Li Ding, Rebecca Rohmeyer Jan 2017

The Application Of Second Language Acquisition To Programming Language Study, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick, Li Ding, Rebecca Rohmeyer

Publications

This paper describes a design and implementation of a Second Language Acquisition in a Blended Learning (SLA-aBLe) project that aims to examine the efficacy of SLA approaches for teaching programming language. The project, which has been running for three semesters, modifies specific learning modules in a programming language class using a series of shorter videos with subtitles, online quizzes with tiered questions and comments, and a topic specified discussion board with Q&A sections. The SLA aspect of the SLA-aBLe study is emphasized through the use of strategies defined as best-practice SLA techniques, such as the inclusion of self-testing tired questions …


Can We Teach A Programming Language As A Second Language?, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick, Paula Sanjuan Espejo, Rachel Cunningham Jun 2016

Can We Teach A Programming Language As A Second Language?, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick, Paula Sanjuan Espejo, Rachel Cunningham

Publications

This paper describes a design and implementation of a NSF sponsored project in 2015. This study will test the hypothesis that the use of cognitive frameworks in second language acquisition for the development of a blended learning of programming languages can improve engagement and the learning experience of engineering students. Using this approach will place greater emphasis on problem solving techniques that can be utilized in all courses. The online module consists of a series of short videos (10-20 minutes), online quizzes with tiered questions, and topic specified discussion board led by student researchers. Students’ demographic data, course-related behaviors such …


Implementation And Evaluation Of A Second Language Acquisition-Based Programming Course, Christina Frederick, Lulu Sun, Caroline Liron, Matthew A. Verleger, Rachel Cunningham, Paula S. Espejo Jan 2016

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Second Language Acquisition-Based Programming Course, Christina Frederick, Lulu Sun, Caroline Liron, Matthew A. Verleger, Rachel Cunningham, Paula S. Espejo

Publications

This paper describes initial findings of an NSF funded project under the Research Initiation Grant in Engineering Education (RIGEE) program. The RIGEE program is a multidisciplinary program focused on developing innovative, implementing and assessing innovative programs that enhance engineering education. The project applied theory and methods of second language acquisition (SLA) to teach an introductory programming course in engineering. The project is a two year long project implemented in multiple sections of an introductory programming class at a technological university, and assessed throughout implementation. It included a component whereby student assistants participated in project development and implementation, and were mentored …


Applying Second Language Acquisition To Facilitate A Blended Learning Of Programming Languages, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick Jun 2015

Applying Second Language Acquisition To Facilitate A Blended Learning Of Programming Languages, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick

Publications

This paper describes a recent NSF funded project under the Research Initiation Grant in Engineering Education (RIGEE) program. It correlates the programming language study to second language acquisition theory. The work begun in Fall 2014, and project materials are under development. This paper outlines the proposed work and the materials developed to support the implementation of the project in Fall 2015.